Build your own furniture-It's addicting

It all started right after we moved into our home and my wife said we needed patio furniture.  After checking prices and getting somewhat nauseous, I decided to use the leftover lumber and attempt to build a patio table.  After about four tries, I finally ended up with something resembling a functional table.  So began my woodworking obsession.  I have since built multiple items for family and friends and have been doing quite well doing so.  I actually have a website advertising my products and I just got it going.  In this day and age it is endless what you can do to instantly get your products out into the world.  Anyway, the patio table I built saved us around $500.00.  That's some pretty good savings.  I also learned why such the big markup and solid wood hand-built furniture.  Whenever you factor in the time involved, it comes out to roughly $5-$15 per hour.  Not so great, but after you figure in the amount of hours, it does add up.
I'm really into the reclaimed wood market.  I can take a piece of old seemingly rotten wood, plane it down, and it sparkles with a distinct look that can not be attained without time.  The nail holes and small insect holes are invaluable.  Lets take a quick look at the steps involved.  I first have to tear down this wood from somewhere and pull all the old nails out (2 hours).  I then have to plane it all down (2 hours).  All the wood then needs to be sanded with progressively finer sand paper until the wood is like glass (4 hours).  This step can vary since a glass smooth finish is not always desired.  Next, I cut all the pieces and glue the top boards to form the table-top (3 hours).  I then attach all the pieces together to form the table by whatever means I choose; usually pocket holes (3 hours).  After the table is complete, I then have to stain, clear coat and wax (4 hours).  The total time involved is approximately 18 hours for this table. When you add up all the materials involved and the time, you can see why such the high cost of quality furniture.  I am able to sell my furniture much cheaper outright, but if I sell it through another company, which I do from time to time, there is a markup so everyone profits a little.  I learned alot getting into this business and cutting out the middle man is key to getting a good deal, but honestly, the middle man is pretty much the basis of our economy.